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Why should I be baptized?
 

• To follow the example set by Jesus.

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river."  Mark 1:9

• Because Christ commanded it.

"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.'"   Matt. 28:19-20

• It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

"...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized."    Acts 18:8

"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands."   1 John 2:3

What is the meaning of baptism?

 

• It illustrates Christ's death and resurrection.

"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again."      
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ."   Colossians 2:12

• It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside.  The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!"            
2 Corinthians 5:17

"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!"   Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn't make you a believer -
it shows that you already believe. 

Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. 

Baptism is like a wedding ring -
it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

"For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."  Ephesians 2:8,9

Why be baptized by immersion?

• Because Jesus was baptized that way.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water."     Matthew 3:16

• Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

Example   "then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water..."   
Acts 8:38-39

• The word "baptize" means "to dip under water".

The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse or dip under water".

• It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

The founders of the denominations agree:

Martin Luther... "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."

John Calvin... "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse.  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

John Wesley... "Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

More about baptism
Back to the Bible
In Touch with Charles Stanley

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